Pit Bull - What Makes So Many of Them Mean?

No, it's not because they have bad owners.

And it is certainly not because they are "killer dogs."

My parents had a Pit Bull before I was born, and until I was age nine. My twin and I crawled over her and played with her as any toddler would. Sometimes, she would snuggle with us. Other times, she would stare at me with a "Oh, have mercy!" expression, and go and hide for a while.

There are two reasons that contribute more than anything else to the bad rap given the Pit Bull:

1. Many people get these dogs and confine them to a small yard, expecting them to entertain themselves. It doesn't work that way.

Pit Bulls are dogs that have great energy and stamina (just as most of the other dogs who have a bad rep).

They were bred for one purpose... and, NO again, it wasn't fighting!

The breeding purpose of Pit Bulls was simply because of their massive jaws. They locked and held onto determined bulls that needed to be brought in, specifically ones that had injured cowboys or other valuable cattle dogs.

They saved the lives of many people.

If someone decides to adopt a Pit Bull, they are going to have to commit to a rigorous exercise routine.

This keeps away boredom. Boredom unattended to leads to frustration, and frustration leads to aggression.

2. The other common reason is that what we call the "American Pit Bull Terrier" is no longer a true Pit Bull. It has been crossed with another breed specifically for the look. This mixed breeding creates insanity over time.

First generation mixed breeds are one thing. You get some pretty cool dogs out of that. Second generation and on, you've got problems ....

And of course, there are the ever popular myths that people believe about Pit Bulls - but why go into those, when that's what everyone argues about?

Click here to find out more about the true character and origin of the Pit Bull.